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State Health Departments

Review the following guidelines and use the following forms to submit specimens to CDC. Forms are available below or by calling the EOC at 770-488-7100. Forms are offered in Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF) format.

U.S. Physicians

Contact your state health department before sending specimens to CDC. For links to state health departments visit the State Health Departments page.

Non U.S. Physicians

Because of the hazard associated with handling specimens, testing is done only with prior consultation.

Private Citizens

Individuals, other than physicians or appropriate state health department employees, may not submit specimens to CDC for testing. If you feel that diagnostic testing is necessary, consult your physician or state health department.

Specimens are only accepted with prior consultation. For consultation call the EOC at 770-488-7100.

Suspect Ebola Specific Notes

Hospitals should follow their state and/or local health department procedures for notification and consultation for Ebola testing requests and prior to contacting CDC.

NO specimens will be accepted without prior consultation. For consultation call the EOC at 770-488-7100.

Contact your state and/or local health department and CDC to determine the proper category for shipment based on clinical history and risk assessment by CDC. State guidelines may differ and state or local health departments should be consulted prior to shipping.

NOTES

NO specimens accepted without prior consultation. For consultation call the EOC at 770-488-7100.

Send specimens by overnight courier (Federal Express preferred) and fax airway bill number and packing list to VSPB at (404) 639-1509 or (404) 639-1118. International submitter should consider direct shipment with an airline to expedite arrival at CDC.

Do not freeze glass tubes.

Package in accordance with I.A.T.A. regulations to prevent leakage. Here are two useful links for information on these regulations:

Label sample as diagnostic specimen and include the following information: your name, the patient's name, test(s) requested, date of collection, laboratory or accession number, and the type of specimen being shipped, a specimen submission form, and a case report form (for hantavirus testing only). On the outside of the box, specify how the specimen should be stored: refrigerated, frozen, or do not refrigerate.

Subsequent shipments from outbreaks may require U.S. Public Health Service permits.

Priority testing will be performed only after consultation with CDC where it is determined that it is indicated.

Specimen Submission Form for non-human primates specimens

Download the Primate Testing Form [PDF - 902 KB] . Follow instructions described on the form. Save a copy for you and include another copy with the specimen. The form is available only in PDF format and blank forms may be printed and filled by hand. Please call 404-639-1115 during business hours (9:00 am - 4:30 pm EST) for a consultation or questions. Forms may also be sent via FAX to 404-639-1118 or 404-639-1509.